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Three Individuals Charged in Credit Card Fraud Scheme
BUFFALO, N.Y. – A brazen credit card scam has been exposed, revealing a complex web of deceit that spanned two years and left financial institutions reeling. U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. announced that Ricky Butler, Catherine Jarrett, and Randy Jarrett have been charged with conspiracy to commit access device fraud and conspiracy to commit bank fraud. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison, a fine of $1,000,000, or both. However, if convicted, Ricky Butler faces an additional two-year consecutive sentence for aggravated identity theft.
According to the complaint, the scheme involved taking control of legitimate credit card accounts. Without the true account holder’s knowledge or authority, the defendants obtained new or replacement credit cards, which were then used to make unauthorized purchases at Wal-Mart stores and other retail establishments in New York and Pennsylvania. The scheme was carried out by women who had been solicited by Butler and others to travel with him and use the fraudulently obtained credit cards.
Assistant U.S. Attorney MaryEllen Kresse stated that the defendants conspired to execute a scheme that resulted in over 1,000 fraudulent transactions, totaling over $850,000 in actual losses. Close to 200 additional transactions, totaling approximately $193,000, were attempted but ultimately declined. The scheme involved 95 credit card accounts at five financial institutions.
The investigation, led by the United States Postal Inspection Service and the United States Secret Service, uncovered a sophisticated network of credit card thieves. Acting Special Agent in Charge Shelly Binkowski and Special Agent in Charge Tracy Gast directed the probe, which revealed the extent of the scheme.
The women who were solicited to use the fraudulently obtained credit cards have already been charged with access device fraud. Danielle Hamilton, Tiara Baker, and Tamika Favors face charges in connection with their use of the unauthorized cards.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation, and the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of credit card fraud and the need for vigilance in protecting personal financial information.
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Key Facts
- State: New York
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release ↗
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